Chhena Poda, Arisa, Rasabali In Queue For GI Tag After Odisha Rasagola

Bhubaneswar: A day after Odisha got the much-awaited Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its Rasagola, the State government today expressed that it will explore possibilities to secure GI tags for popular and traditional sweets and delicacies which have originated in Odisha.

Be it Nayagarh’s ‘Chhena Poda’, ‘Rasabali’ of Kendrapara, ‘Kakara’ of Tangi or ‘Arisa Peetha’, the demand for seeking GI tags for these traditional Odia delicacies has now gained momentum from various parts of the State.

“After Odisha Rasagola won the GI tag, the State government should now try to bag GI tags for other popular delicacies which form the part and parcel of Odia cuisine and culture,” said a resident of Nayagarh.

Throwing weight behind people’s demand, BJD MLA Debi Prasad Mishra raised the issue in Odisha Assembly on Monday.

“I have urged the Speaker to direct State government to take necessary steps for seeking GI tags for other Odia cuisines like Arisa, Rasabali and others,” said Mishra.

MSME Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra, said that Odisha government will seek GI tag for 'Arisa', 'Chhena Poda', 'Rasabali' and other Odisha-origin sweets after collecting detailed information on each of these. "The government will explore all possibilities, collect information and move ahead with seeking GI tags. Moreover, GI tag to Odisha Rasagola has made everyone in the State proud," said the minister.